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What you should do if you’re locked out of your home

Picture the scenario: you’re in a rush to leave the house, you’re running late for school, work, or another commitment, you’ve slammed the door shut behind you before realising that your keys are inside. If you haven’t yet been locked out of your house, it is a situation you’re likely to find yourself in at some point. It is always best to be prepared for the situation, as it can happen at any time. Our article offers advice for what to do should you find yourself locked out of your home and how to prevent it happening.

Prevention

There are measures you can put in place in or order to avoid being locked out of your home, but also to make it easier to remedy the situation should you find yourself unable to get back inside.

Spare Key

It is always a good idea to have an extra key cut which can be left with a trusted family member, neighbour or friend. This is not only helpful if they may need access to your home, but also if you find yourself without a key to your house. It is particularly useful if they live nearby, thus minimising the amount of time spent on resolving the situation.

Carry ID with you

Whilst it is something not often considered, it is a good idea to carry ID on you every time you leave the house. This means that should you find yourself locked out of your house and in need of a locksmith, you can immediately verify your identity and proof of address. Locksmiths may not proceed with unlocking your door if you cannot verify your identity.

When you have been locked out of the house

When locked out of your house, your immediate response may be to panic. However, it is important to keep a level head, so you can assess what to do next.

Ask for help

Depending on your living situation, you may be able to avoid calling a locksmith. If you live in a rented home consider calling your landlord as they will likely have a set of keys to the home or in a block of flats, a building manager will have access to a master key. Similarly, if you live with others, whilst it may seem inconvenient to ask them to come home and let you in, it will prove less expensive than hiring a locksmith.

Look for an unlocked door or window

If you find yourself locked out of your home, assess the area. You may want to look out for open windows on the ground floor or an unlocked back door; either of which are easily accessible. However, if you find you can access the house in this way, you will want to reconsider your security measures. If you can gain access to your home with such ease, it means a potential burglar can too. See our previous articles for top tips on home security.

Call a locksmith

Finally, the best option may be to call a locksmith. Though this idoes involve expense, it can often prove a quicker solution than seeking other alternatives. A locksmith will be able to offer their professional advice and skill to deal with the situation promptly and effectively, minimising the stress of the experience.

Feel free to contact us if you have been locked out of your home and require further advice or assistance.